HCC trustee begins second, independent probe

Houston Community College trustee Dave Wilson, expressing doubt with the impartiality of the college system’s internal investigation into procurement practices, has hired consultant Wayne Dolcefino and attorney Keith Gross to investigate procurement, facilities, employment and related financial matters.

The college system had retained former Harris County Commissioner Gene Locke and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Vidal Martinez to examine Houston Community College’s procurement processes and policies after trustee Chris Oliver pleaded guilty to bribery in documents unsealed in July.

That investigation, Wilson said Thursday, is “tainted with the appearance of insider dealings,” citing business ties between Martinez, Locke and HCC employees and the system as a whole.

Dolcefino, a former KTRK reporter who now leads a consulting firm, said he would be sending a records request to the college system in the next 24 hours.

His investigation will include administrators and trustees — including possibly Wilson.

“I don’t believe in sacred cows,” he said.

Gross will focus on legal work while Dolcefino will zero in on trustee and administrator conduct.

Wilson said he is funding the investigation himself and stressed that his work does not represent the board.

The group pledged to be open about its findings.

Carolyn Evans-Shabazz was voted vice-chair at the afternoon meeting, the position Oliver was stripped of after his bribery conviction.

Chancellor Cesar Maldonado said in a statement that the system aims to be transparent and remains focused on educating students and their success.